Integrating Shallow Aquifer Zonation into Urban Planning Instruments: A Case Study of Water-Sensitive Urban Development in Patna City.

Project Title: Integrating Shallow Aquifer Zonation into Urban Planning Instruments: A Case Study of Water-Sensitive Urban Development in Patna City

Location: Patna, Bihar, India

Total Grant/Budget: 100,000 Indian by RPIHE Foundation

Duration: 6 Months

Principal Officer: Dr. Abhimanu Kumar

Co-PI: Dr. Manoj Kumar 6 Worker

1. Executive Summary

Rapid urbanization in Patna has led to the indiscriminate sealing of surfaces, resulting in severe waterlogging during monsoons and groundwater depletion during dry seasons. This project integrates hydrogeological data (Shallow Aquifer Zonation) directly into urban planning instruments (Master Plans and Building Bye-laws). By identifying recharge zones and vulnerable aquifers, this report proposes a framework for Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) to ensure long-term water security and flood resilience for the city.

2. Problem Statement

• Disconnect between Geology and Planning: Patna’s current urban planning relies heavily on surface land use (residential/commercial) without considering the sub-surface hydrogeology.

• Aquifer Vulnerability: Shallow aquifers in the Ganga basin are highly susceptible to contamination from sewage and depletion due to over-extraction.

• Urban Flooding: The loss of natural recharge zones contributes to the city’s chronic waterlogging issues.

3. Objectives

1. Map: To delineate shallow aquifer zones within Patna Municipal Corporation limits using existing lithological logs and groundwater level data.

2. Overlay: To superimpose aquifer maps onto the current Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) map of Patna.

3. Integrate: To formulate specific amendments for the Patna Master Plan and local building bye-laws based on aquifer sensitivity.

4. Methodology (Low-Cost / High-Impact)

Since the budget is limited, the methodology relies on Secondary Data Synthesis:

1. Data Acquisition: Collection of existing borehole data and lithologs from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and State Ground Water Directorate.

2. GIS Mapping: creating thematic layers for:

   • Depth to water level.

   • Lithology (Sand vs. Clay composition).

   • Aquifer thickness.

3. Vulnerability Assessment: Classifying the city into three zones:

   • Zone A (High Recharge Potential): Sandy topsoil, critical for conservation.

   • Zone B (Moderate Potential): Mixed use allowed with strict rainwater harvesting.

   • Zone C (Low Potential/Discharge Zone): Suitable for high-density built-up areas.

4. Policy Formulation: Drafting specific zoning regulations for each category.

   
   

5. Proposed Outcomes & Recommendations

The final report will deliver the following planning instruments:

• The "Blue-Green" Zoning Map: A regulatory map identifying areas where construction must be restricted or where "pervious paving" is mandatory.

• Building Bye-Law Amendments:

  • Mandate: 100% rooftop rainwater harvesting for plots >200 sq. meters in "Zone A".

  • Prohibition: Ban on basements in areas with shallow water tables (<3m bgl) to prevent structural dampness and disruption of subsurface flow.

• Stormwater Management Strategy: diverting urban runoff into identified aquifer recharge basins rather than pumping it into the Ganga.

6. Budget Breakdown (Total: 100,000)

Cost Head	Description	Allocation
Data & Software	Procurement of satellite imagery, topographic sheets, and GIS licensing (or open-source usage costs).	20,000
Field Verification	Limited ground-truthing (GPS surveys) and water level spot-checks to validate secondary data.	25,000
Consultation	Workshops with town planners and hydrogeologists for validation of findings.	15,000
Publication & Printing	Designing, editing, and printing the final high-quality report for stakeholders.	25,000
Admin & Misc.	Transport, stationery, and contingency funds.	15,000
TOTAL		100,000

7. Implementation Timeline

• Month 1: Data collection (CGWB, Municipal Corporation).

• Month 2-3: GIS Mapping and Data Analysis.

• Month 4: Draft Report generation and Expert Review.

• Month 5: Finalizing Policy Recommendations.

• Month 6: Publication and Dissemination of Final Report.

8. Conclusion

This project moves beyond traditional observation to actionable policy. By translating complex hydrogeological data into a language that urban planners understand (zoning and bye-laws), we bridge the gap between science and governance.